Tank Stand

ABSTRACT

A tank base for supporting a conforming tank. A pair of base elements each includes mating edges which conform to one another. A connection joins the base elements, the connection having a connection channel along the mating edge of one of the base elements and a connection union along the mating edge of the other of the elements, with the connection channel and the connection union interengaging to form the connection. The base elements, when joined, form a support platform. In one form of the invention, the support platform supports a tank. In another form of the invention, a base cover, comprising a pair of cover elements, adjoins the support platform and has a planar surface for supporting a tank thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to maintaining tanks, such as oil tanks, in anupright orientation, and in particular to a tank base for supporting aconforming tank.

In oil fields where a temporary storage tank is situated in the vicinityof an oil well or series of oil wells, it is common for the tank to bemaintained in an upright orientation by simply forming the earthunderneath the tank to support the tank, or firming the earth in somemanner to appropriately support the tank and the weight of oil that ispumped into the tank. However, since earth, no matter how tightly it maybe compacted, can be unstable, that leads to instability of a tank,whether due to the sheer weight of the tank and its contents, or due tovarying weather conditions, which can alter the support beneath thetank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a tank base for supporting a conformingtank. The tank base comprises a pair of base elements, each base elementincluding a mating edge, with the mating edges conforming to oneanother. A connection joins the base elements. The connection comprisesa connection channel extending from and along the mating edge of one ofthe base elements, and a connection union extending from and along themating edge of the other of the base elements. The connection channeland the connection union interengage to form the connection. The baseelements, when joined, form a support platform.

In accordance with a preferred form of the invention, the base elementincludes alternating support sections. For a cylindrical tank, the tankbase is cylindrical, and the support sections are wedge-shaped. Eachsupport section is composed of a plurality of spaced ribs extendingbetween opposite wedge sides, and a wedge cap on one side of eachwedge-shaped section. Preferably the wedge caps for adjoiningwedge-shaped sections alternate between the support platform and anunderside of the tank base.

Preferably the support platform is concave. Depending on the type oftank supported, the support platform includes a central aperturetherethrough.

In another form of the invention, a base cover is provided adjoining thesupport platform. The base cover has one side conforming to the supportplatform, and a generally planar opposite side. The base cover comprisesa pair of cover elements, each cover element including a mating side,with the mating sides conforming to one another.

Preferably the base cover also includes a coupler for joining the coverelements. The coupler comprises a coupler channel extending from andalong the mating side of one of the cover elements and a coupler unionextending from and along the mating side of the other of the coverelements. The coupler channel and the coupler union interengage to formthe coupler. In this form of the invention, with the generally planarsupport side of the base cover, a flat-bottom tank is accommodated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in greater detail in the followingdescription of examples embodying the best mode of the invention, takenin conjunction with the drawing figures, in which

FIG. 1 illustrates a first form of the invention with a tank supportedon a tank base according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of what is shown in FIG. 1, with the tankbase in cross section,

FIG. 3A is an isometric view, from above, of a tank base according tothe invention,

FIG. 3B is an isometric view thereof, from below,

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the first form of the tank base,

FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view thereof,

FIG. 5A is an isometric view, from above, of one of the base elements ofthe tank base,

FIG. 5B is an isometric view thereof, from below,

FIG. 6A is an isometric view, from above, of the other of the baseelements of the tank base,

FIG. 6B is an isometric view thereof, from below,

FIG. 7A is a view similar to FIG. 4A, illustrating assembly of the tankbase and showing where a sectional view is taken,

FIG. 7B is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along lines B-B ofFIG. 7A,

FIG. 8A is an isometric view showing assembly of the base elements oftank base,

FIG. 8B is an enlarged sectional view of section B of FIG. 8A,

FIG. 9A is an isometric view similar to FIG. 8A, but showing where adifferent sectional view is taken,

FIG. 9B is an enlarged sectional of section B of FIG. 9A,

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a second form of the invention,supporting a conforming tank,

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of what is shown in FIG. 10, with the basecover shown in cross section,

FIG. 12 is an enlarged isometric view of the base cover, taken fromabove,

FIG. 13 is a perspective assembly view, from above, showing the basecover in relation to the tank base,

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the assembled base cover and tank base,

FIG. 15A is a top plan view of one of the cover elements of the basecover,

FIG. 15B is a bottom plan view thereof,

FIG. 16A is a top plan view of the other of the cover elements of thebase cover,

FIG. 16B is a bottom plan view thereof,

FIG. 17 is an isometric view showing assembly of the cover elements ofthe base cover,

FIG. 18A is an isometric view showing assembly of the cover elements ofthe base cover,

FIG. 18B is an enlarged sectional view taken along line B of FIG. 18A,

FIG. 19A is an isometric view of the base cover similar to FIG. 18A, butwith the cover elements farther engaged, and

FIG. 19B is an enlarged sectional view of section B of FIG. 19A.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES EMBODYING THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

One form of a tank base according to the invention is shown generally at10 in FIGS. 1-9. The tank base 10 is composed of a pair of base elements12 and 14, and when assembled, supports a conforming tank 16 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The first form of the invention is for supporting the tank 16 in anupright orientation. As illustrated, the tank 16 typically has a convexbottom 18 and a central sump 20. The tank base 10 is formed to conformto the bottom of the tank 16. The sump 20 is typically the locationwhere the tank base is connected to a line (not illustrated) forwithdrawing the contents of the tank 16.

The base elements 12 and 14 include respective mating edges 22 and 24.The mating edges 22 and 24 conform to one another so that when the tankbase 10 is assembled, it appears generally unitary as illustrated in thedrawing figures.

A connection is employed for joining the base elements 12 and 14. Thecomponents of the connection, as described below, can be formed oneither of the base elements 12 and 14, and therefore, although thedescription below describes certain portions on the base element 12 andcertain portions on the base element 14, it will be evident to oneskilled in the art that the portions can be reversed.

The connection includes a connection channel 26 extending from and alongthe mating edge 22 of the base element 12. The connection channel 26 isactually two portions, as shown in the drawing figures, to accommodate asemicircular aperture 28, although if the aperture 28 is absent, theconnection channel 26 can be a unitary element extending along most orall of the entirety of the mating edge 22. Alternatively, the connectionchannel 26 can be a series of spaced channel elements extending from themating edge 22. Other forms of connection channel 26 will be evident tothose skilled in the art.

The connection channel 26 extends outwardly from the mating edge 22 toaccommodate a connection union 30 forming part of the mating edge 24 ofthe base element 14. The connection union 30 is actually formed in themating edge 24, and is configured so that the connection union 30 isengaged in the connection channel 26 when the tank base 10 is assembled.

In a fashion similar to the connection channel 26, the connection union30 is actually composed of two portions, separated by a semicircularaperture 32. If the semicircular aperture 32 is absent, the connectionunion 30 may extend along most, if not all, of the mating edge 24. Itmay also be composed of a series of spaced union elements. Theconnection union 30 is formed to conform to and be engaged in theconnection channel 26.

Preferably each of the base elements 12 and 14 of the tank base 10 isformed of alternating support sections as illustrated in the drawingfigures. Due to the circular nature of the tank base 10, the supportsections are wedge-shaped. Thus, the base element 12 includes fiveadjoining and integral wedge-shaped sections, each of which is composedof a plurality of radial ribs 34 and a plurality of spacedcircumferential ribs 36. For the ease of illustration, only one of thefive sections of the base element 12 has reference numerals applied, itbeing evident that the remaining sections are essentially identical.

Each of the wedge-shaped sections includes a wedge cap 38 on one side ofeach of the wedge-shaped sections. The wedge caps 38 for each sectionpreferably alternate between a top portion of the tank base 10,comprising a support platform as shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A, 7A, 8A and 9A,and an underside of the tank base 10 shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B.

The base element 14 is preferably formed in the same manner as the baseelement 12. The base element 14 includes five wedge-shaped supportsections each formed of a series of radial ribs 40, spacedcircumferential ribs 42, and wedge caps 44. Thus, the nature of theformation of the base element 14 is not described further.

Preferably each of the base elements 12 and 14 is an integral structure,molded from plastic. It will be evident, however, that the base elementscan be made of metal or other materials which provide sufficientstability for supporting the tank 16.

The base element 12 includes an outer, continuous circumferential rib46. Similarly, the base element 14 includes an outer, continuouscircumferential rib 48.

The connection channel 26 and the connection union 30 are configured toaccommodate the various ribs 36, 42, 46 and 48. Furthermore, theconnection channel 26 includes a series of spaced struts 50 forstrengthening purposes. Thus, the connection channel 26 includes aseries of spaced notches 52 formed to accommodate engaged ribs.Similarly, the connection union 30 includes a series of notches 54formed to accommodate the struts 50. It will be evident that rather thannotches 52 being formed in the connection channel 26, similar notchescan, instead, be formed in the circumferential ribs 42, and the notches52 can be eliminated, or partial notches can be formed in each.Obviously, notches must be included or some other means of accommodatinginterfering elements in order for the base elements 12 and 14 to befully assembled as the tank base 10.

The form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 10-19 is in relation tosupporting a flat-bottom tank 16′. Thus, this form of the inventionincludes the tank base 10 of the first form of the invention, and also abase cover 60 described below.

The base cover 60 adjoins the upper support platform side of the tankbase 10, thus conforming on its underside to the support platform, andwith a generally planar upper side which, as best shown in FIG. 11,which conforms to the flat bottom of the tank 16′. The base cover 60also is formed in a fashion generally similar to the tank base 10, andthus includes a pair of cover elements 62 and 64, each of the coverelements including a mating side, with the mating sides conforming toone another where joined. Just as the tank base 10, each of the coverelements 62 and 64 of the base cover 60 is formed of alternating supportsections as illustrated in the drawing figures. Due to the circularnature of the base cover 60, the support sections are generallywedge-shaped. Thus, the cover element 62 includes five adjoining andintegral wedge-shaped sections, each of which is composed of a pluralityof radial ribs 66 and a plurality of spaced circumferential ribs 68.Each of the wedge-shaped sections also includes a wedge cap 70, with thewedge caps 70 preferably alternating between a top support surface ofthe base cover 60 upon which the tank 16′ is supported and an undersideof the base cover 60 which adjoins and conforms to the top of the tankbase 10.

The cover element 64 is formed similarly with five wedge-shaped supportsections each formed of a series of radial ribs 72, spacedcircumferential ribs 74 and wedge caps 76. The cover element 64 isconfigured in the same nature as the cover element 62.

Just as the tank base 10, preferably each of the cover elements 62 and64 is an integral structure, molded from plastic. It will be evident,however, that the cover elements can be made of other materials, such asmetal, which provides sufficient stability for supporting the tank 16′thereon.

The cover element 62 includes an outer, continuous circumferential rib78. In the same fashion, the cover element 64 includes an outer,continuous circumferential rib 80.

A coupler is employed for joining the cover elements 62 and 64, in thesame fashion that the base elements 12 and 14 of the tank base 10 arejoined. Just as in the tank base 10, the components of the coupler, asdescribed below, can be formed on either of the cover elements 62 and64, even though certain portions are described as being on the coverelement 62 and other portions are described as being on the coverelement 64.

The coupler includes a coupler channel 82 extending from and along themating side of the cover element 64. A coupler union 84 extends from andalong the mating side of the cover element 62, with the coupler channel82 and the coupler union 84 intergaging to form the coupler, in the samefashion as the elements of the tank base 10 are joined to one another.Thus, the elements of the coupler are not described in further detail,it being evident to one skilled in the art and from what is illustratedin the drawings as to how the coupler channel 82 and the coupler union84 are formed.

As shown in the drawing figures, the base cover 60 is formed to conformto the shape of the tank base 10 in order to support a flat-bottom tank16′ thereon. Obviously, the configuration of the bottom of the basecover 60 will vary depending on the configuration of the top or supportplatform of the tank base 10. Given the weight of the tank 16′ whenfilled, it is important that the combination of the base cover 60 andthe tank base 10 be robust and solid.

The invention provides a stable base for supporting the tanks 16 and16′. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof or scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tank base for supporting a conforming tank,comprising a. a pair of base elements, each base element including amating edge, said mating edges conforming to one another, and b. aconnection for joining said base elements, said connection comprising i.a connection channel extending from and along the mating edge of one ofsaid base elements, ii. a connection union extending from and along themating edge of the other of said base elements, said connection channeland said connection union interengaging to form said connection, c. saidbase elements, when joined, forming a support platform.
 2. The tank baseaccording to claim 1, in which each base element includes alternatingsupport sections.
 3. The tank base according to claim 2, in which saidsupport sections are wedge-shaped.
 4. The tank base according to claim3, in which each support section is composed of a plurality of spacedribs extending between opposite wedge sides, and including a wedge capon one side of each wedge-shaped section.
 5. The tank base according toclaim 4, in which said wedge caps for adjacent wedge-shaped sectionsalternate between the support platform and an underside of the tankbase.
 6. The tank base according to claim 1, in which said supportplatform is concave.
 7. The tank base according to claim 1, in whichsaid support platform includes a central aperture therethrough.
 8. Thetank base according to claim 1, including a base cover adjoining saidsupport platform, said base cover having one side conforming to saidsupport platform and a generally planar opposite side.
 9. The tank baseaccording to claim 8, in which said base cover comprises a pair of coverelements, each cover element including a mating side, said mating sidesconforming to one another.
 10. The tank base according to claim 9,including a coupler for joining said cover elements, said couplercomprising a. a coupler channel extending from and along the mating sideof one of said cover elements, b. a coupler union extending from andalong the mating side of the other of said cover elements, said couplerchannel and said coupler union interengaging to form said coupler.
 11. Atank base for supporting a conforming tank, comprising a. a pair of baseelements, each base element including a mating edge, said mating edgesconforming to one another, b. a connection for joining said baseelements, said connection comprising i. a connection channel extendingfrom and along the mating edge of one of said base elements, ii. aconnection union extending from and along the mating edge of the otherof said base elements, said connection channel and said connection unioninterengaging to form said connection, c. said base elements, whenjoined, forming a support platform, d. a base cover adjoining saidsupport platform, said base cover having one side conforming to saidsupport platform and a generally planar opposite side, e. said basecover comprising a pair of cover elements, each cover element includinga mating side, said mating sides conforming to one another, and f. acoupler for joining said cover elements, said coupler comprising i. acoupler channel extending from and along the mating side of one of saidcover elements, ii. a coupler union extending from and along the matingside of the other of said cover elements, said coupler channel and saidcoupler union interengaging to form said coupler. g. said coverelements, when joined, forming a tank platform.
 12. The tank baseaccording to claim 11, in which said support platform is concave. 13.The tank base according to claim 11, in which each base element includesalternating support sections.
 14. The tank base according to claim 13,in which said support sections are wedge-shaped.
 15. The tank baseaccording to claim 14, in which each support section is composed of aplurality of spaced ribs extending between opposite wedge sides, andincluding a wedge cap on one side of each wedge-shaped section.
 16. Thetank base according to claim 15, in which said wedge caps for adjacentwedge-shaped sections alternate between the support platform and anunderside of the tank base.
 17. The tank base according to claim 11, inwhich said support platform includes a central aperture therethrough.